Lactose Intolerance

Definition

Lactose intolerance is gastrointestinal upset due to the inability to digest significant quantities of lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.

Causes

Lactose intolerance is caused by a reduction in the digestive enzyme lactase. Lactase breaks down the sugar lactose into sugars that can be more easily absorbed. When not fully broken down, lactose ferments in the colon and causes symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lactose intolerance generally begin within two hours of consuming milk or other dairy products. The severity of symptoms depends on how much lactase your body produces and how much lactose you eat.

Treatment

Temporary lactose intolerance following an infection usually goes away after the intestine heals.

Treatment for chronic lactose intolerance focuses on managing symptoms. For most people, removing dietary lactose, especially in children and adolescents, would not be recommended. Milk and milk products provide sources of calcium and other food elements that are hard to replace. If complete elimination is chosen, then careful replacement of calcium is needed for good health.

Treatments include:

Dietary Changes

Keep a food diary of what you eat and what the reaction is. Discuss the findings with your doctor or a dietitian.

Dietary changes may include:

Eat smaller amounts of milk or milk products with a meal. It may reduce symptoms. Many people can tolerate 4-8 ounces of milk. You may have better tolerance for some of the following dairy products made from milk:

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss

Yogurt

Try lactose-free milk and lactose-reduced milk and milk products.

Ask a dietitian for help choosing substitutes for dairy products or recommending supplements to ensure that you eat enough calcium.

Nondairy foods rich in calcium include:

Salmon

Sardines

Cooked spinach

Oranges

Broccoli

Read product labels because other foods can contain lactose including:

Breads

Baked goods

Processed cereals

Instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks

Margarine

Processed meats

Liquid and powder milk-based meal replacements

Protein powders and bars

Salad dressings

Candies

Pancake mixes

Non-dairy coffee creamers and whipped toppings

Other words that indicate lactose are:

Whey

Curds

Dry milk solids

Nonfat dry milk

Milk by-products

Be aware that some medications may contain small amounts of lactose.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend lactase enzymes if you can tolerate only small quantities of lactose. The enzyme supplements come in liquid and chewable form. A few drops of the liquid added to milk, which is allowed to sit overnight, can decrease the amount of lactose in the milk. Tablets are chewed or swallowed before eating foods that contain lactose.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent lactose intolerance.

Content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.